Misa de Gallo: The Dawn walks of faith

CEBU, Philippines — Novenas are typically held at nighttime. And that’s how the Christmas novena Masses started in the Philippines, hence the name “Simbang Gabi” or Night Mass.

The schedule of the Masses is said to have changed, though, as a practical compromise for farmers,

who were too tired to consistently attend the Christmas novena Masses.

The Masses were moved to dawn, before Filipino farmers would begin work at sunrise. The farmers would go to the crop fields early in order to avoid the heat of the noontime sun. And so, starting in 1669, priests celebrated Christmas novena Mass in the early mornings instead of in the evenings. And the Mass took the name “Misa de Gallo,” or Mass of the Roosters, since it was celebrated when roosters would crow to herald the coming of the new day. 

Back in the Spanish Era and early American Period, the parishioners would mostly have nothing to offer during Mass except sacks of rice, fruits and vegetables, and fresh eggs. The priests would accept these, keep a portion for themselves, and entrust the rest of the produce to the congregation to make into delicacies for everyone to enjoy together the after the service.

The delicacies after Mass have persisted to this day. In the rural parishes especially, there would be rice-based delicacies sold in the churchyard or in the church vicinity. Churchgoers enjoy bibingka, puto-maya, biko etc. with hot tsokolate or salabát, after the Mass.

In the present time, despite the fact that the Philippines is no longer a mainly agricultural country and there’s an option to go to a night novena Mass, many Catholics still find it more “meaningful” to attend the Mass at dawn. They find some penitential value in waking up early. They also find the early morning walk to and from the nearby church good for their health.

Waking up at three in the morning for the 4 a.m. Mass is indeed a sacrifice – it somehow defies the human biological clock. But completing the nine morning Masses straight is believed to have not only spiritual but practical reward as well. There’s a belief that one who completes the Misa de Gallo would have his or her wish granted.

But like with any undertaking, going to the Misa de Gallo will be smooth with little preparation and planning. There are certain things to consider:

Sleep right the night before. This is obviously common sense, but with the “party” mentality of today’s youth, sleep is so easy to forgo with. They would rather go straight to Mass from a night out than sleep and wake up early. But lack of sleep has its health toll – besides, one might just doze off while at Mass.

Have something to eat before going. It does not have to be a full meal, there’s a snack of delicacies or a full breakfast waiting after Mass. A piece of bread and a hot drink should be enough to keep one up and about.

Dress up properly. Aside from the fact that going to church warrants proper attire, December mornings are also colder. A scarf or jacket is good shield, both from the cold and from indignant stares.

Be serious about it. It starts with punctuality; coming early to church will allow one to find the best seat and prevent missing the early part of the Mass. There is time to psyche up and direct oneself to the very purpose of going to Mass, which is to reflect on and commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. 

The “Misa de Gallo” is no doubt a beautiful feature of the Filipino culture. It brings the family and whole neighborhoods together. The early morning walks together to and from the Christmas novena Masses often spur meaningful conversations, too. (FREEMAN)